Revving up security for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach

Security at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach last year was intensified as the race came days after the Boston Marathon bombing. Extra security personnel were hired to inspect spectators’ belongings and monitor race activity. Officials plan similar measures this year.
Staff File Photos

LONG BEACH >> Not many of the 170,000 expected to attend this year’s Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach will know the extent race and local law enforcement officials have gone to ensure the safety and security of spectators and fans.

“We have a lot of families and children who attend the event, and we want them to enjoy themselves and not have to worry about security,” said Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach.

Working in conjunction with the Long Beach police, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol and the private security company contracted for the event, authorities are continually re-evaluating the race security plan to provide the most safe environment for attendees.

Holding an event that draws so many people to one location can bring prestige and revenue to a city but may also be tempting for those looking to cause havoc.

“Last year, the Monday before the Grand Prix was the day of the Boston bombing,” recalled Long Beach Police Deputy Chief Robert Luna. “We worked with our partners in law enforcement and the federal government to gather intelligence. That information sharing is so critical in creating a threat assessment and then coordinating a response.”

Security and law enforcement personnel reviewed the security plan and made the necessary changes, which included an increased uniformed patrol and K9 presence.

But for many of the officers who worked the Grand Prix last year, the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing touched them.

“There was a little boy that was killed that day, Martin Richard. He was 8,” said Luna. “We had a picture of him at our command posts. A lot of us bring out our children and families to the race, and we wanted to make sure something like this wouldn’t happen in Long Beach. We took it personally.”

Neither Luna nor Michaelian would release exact details of this year’s security plan, but Luna did say that increased patrols, K9 units and plainclothes officers would be a part of the race-day tactics.

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“I can tell you that we have very good security,” Luna said. “Some of it you’ll see, a lot of it you won’t, and a good portion of it is technology-based.”

Attacks such as 9/11 and the Boston bombing push local security forces to remain vigilant.

“Our security plans — and all our plans — are reviewed on an annual basis with respect on how we can enhance them,” said Michaelian, adding there hasn’t been a major public safety incident at the race in the nearly four decades it’s been held in the city, officials said. In 2008, more than 50 riot officers quelled an unruly crowd of hundreds of people who tried to get into an outdoor venue to watch punk rock band Pennywise. Reports indicate five people received minor injuries during the incident.

Spectators and fans are also encouraged to call 9-1-1 if they see anything suspicious or illegal activity in or around the event location.

“We want everyone to come and enjoy themselves, and all of the partners are committed to makes this as safe an event as possible,” Luna said.